The perfect 100th birthday gift... a great-granddaughter

BABY Margo Cole created a double family celebration when she was born on her great-grandmother’s 100th birthday.

Mother Natalie Cole (left) with one day old Margo, and the baby's grandmother Jane

Sprightly Sheila Storer was already beaming after receiving a telegram from the Queen to mark her centenary.

And the occasion was made extra special with the news that Sheila had a great-granddaughter thanks to the arrival of 7lb 11oz Margo.

The tot, whose mum is Sheila’s granddaughter Natalie Cole, was delivered early on Monday, September 16, four days after her due date.

Natalie, 38, who lives in West Norwood, south London, said: “It is such a very ­special coincidence. We were all very excited about granny’s 100th birthday as it was, so for Margo to be born on that day is just amazing.”

Natalie went into labour on ­Sunday as her mother, Jane Rees, was holding a party for her own mother Sheila in South Wales.

Sheila Storer holding a photo of her great-granddaughter Margo who was born on her 100th birthday

It is such a very ­special coincidence. We were all very excited about granny’s 100th birthday as it was, so for Margo to be born on that day is just amazing

Natalie Cole

“We could not have laid odds on it,” said Jane, 67, of Porthcawl.

“Margo was due on September 12 and we were all saying wouldn’t it be lovely if she came on Granny’s birthday but we thought she’d be late.

“I was in South Wales hosting a party for Mum with 60 guests when Natalie went into labour. Then the phone went at 2am and I was told we had a girl. I later went down to give my mother her presents and say ‘happy birthday’ and told her Natalie had the baby and she was absolutely thrilled.”

Natalie already has a son, 23-month-old Rhys, with her husband Benjamin, 39.

The family describe former teacher Sheila, who was born on September 16, 1913, as “a very active lady who still plays bridge”. They said they hoped Margo would inherit her “longevity and keen mind”.

Yesterday, the centenarian said: “It’s very exciting. I didn’t think my great-granddaughter would be born on my birthday but she was. I haven’t met her yet but I hope to tomorrow. Maybe next year we’ll have a joint birthday party.”